Recently, on GBTV, with WallBuilders’ Founder and President David Barton present, you displayed what you claim was the sword belonging to Nathan Bedford Forrest – an example of “tremendous American evil,” in your words. You spoke of the War Between The States’ engagement at Ft. Pillow and perpetuated Rev. Barton’s conjecture (which I’d never before heard) that the sword “skinned people alive.”

Perhaps you and Rev. Barton should actually read the Congressional inquiry into the matter -- it is inconclusive, neither exonerating nor condemning Forrest. Ft. Pillow was the typical “fog of war” circumstance that makes it impossible to sort out events as they actually occurred.

Only two weeks after the battle, a U.S. Congressional inquiry could not conclusively determine exactly what happened. Both sides failed to control the action, and only Forrest’s direct, personal intervention to stop the shooting saved many of the Union defenders left standing on the beach. Not satisfied with the Congressional inquiry, Union General William T. Sherman convened a not-so-impartial inquiry. He openly stated that he would try and convict General Forrest. However, Sherman’s inquiry also ended without substantive evidence to find Forrest culpable.

Northern newspapers criticizing Forrest’s effort “to explain away the Fort Pillow affair,” however, seem especially disingenuous since the sensationalist accounts by the partisan Northern press bears a large share of the burden for creating and perpetuating the “massacre” claim in the first place. Forrest always disputed claims that his Fort Pillow victory was a “massacre.” Any fair-minded judgment as to whether it was truly the racism-inspired, premeditated massacre claimed by the Northern press and Union leaders at the time must also take into consideration the inevitable confusion of desperate, hand-to-hand combat and the many contributing factors that created and exacerbated the disastrous Union rout.

Of course, wartime events concerning Forrest cannot be considered in a vacuum – he has become unfairly associated with the actions of the KKK. Again, a bit of digging instead of accepting “flat earth history” will give the intellectually honest person a different perspective. Consider the findings of the Anti-Defamation League:

By 1869, internal strife led Klansmen to fight against Klansmen as competing factions struggled for control. The Klan's increasing reputation for violence led the more prominent citizens to drop out and criminals and the dispossessed began to fill the ranks. Local chapters proved difficult, if not impossible, to monitor and direct. In disgust, Forrest officially disbanded the organization and the vast majority of local groups followed his lead.

If the treatment of Forrest was not bad enough, to follow it up with a reference to Herman Goering amplified the insult, effectively equating Forrest to a Nazi. From a practical standpoint, why would you alienate Southerners by doing this? The South has obviously been very accepting of your message – we value the Constitution and eschew progressivism.

In the first chapter of the Gospel of John, we are told that Jesus came “full of grace and truth” (v.14). While you and Rev. Barton are “Restoring Love,” why not restore some grace to the Southern people and some truth for their history?

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Elizabethton, TN -- A Confederate flag flying over a Carter County cemetery is the spark of new controversy tonight. We first told you about a Confederate flag flying over Green Hill Cemetery in Elizabethton when members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans erected the monument in honor of several confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.

The Watauga Historical Association Vice President Dawn Peters told 11 Connects in October there shouldn't be a huge Confederate flag flying overhead when there's not even a large American flag at the cemetery.

Today, a group calling themselves "Tennessee Flaggers" from four different states gathered at the cemetery to protest those against the flying of the Confederate flag.

“I'm not ashamed of my family,” says Rick Morrell. “I'm proud of what they believed in." Morrell and other Tennessee Flaggers marched across Green Hill Cemetery and gathered in protest of those opposed to flying the Confederate Flag there.

"Those soldiers over at Green Hill Cemetery deserve to have their flag flying over the graves of those humble men,” says H.K. Edgerton. “Every time I pick this flag up and come to a gathering like this, I'm at a gathering of love the same kind of love that existed then."

Friday, July 27, 2012

Bid packages for those wishing to host the 2016 reunion are due by January 15,2013. They should be sent to Chairman Joe Ringhoffer at 1211 Government St. Mobile, AL 36604or emailed to ringhje@aol.com.

Bidders should include in their proposals information such as the cost of guest rooms at the hotel(s), any parking fees, host hotel flag display policy, meeting facility layout, and projected registration cost. This information is needed in addition to the bidders plans for tours and events and information about attractions in the area.

The Guidelines for hosting a convention can be obtained from Joe Ringhoffer at the email address above or on scv.org at http://www.scv.org/pdf/ReunionGuidelines.pdf.

The place and date of the meeting of the Convention Planning Committee, where bidders will make their formal presentations, will be announced after receipt of the bids.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The Budget and Finance Committee will review funding requests prior to the GEC (General Executive Council) Fall meeting. Requests must be received no later than September 1, 2012 to be considered!

It is preferred that requests and supporting documentation be sent as attachments to an email message to Adjutant-in-Chief Ritchie (aic@scv.org) and Executive Director Sewell (exedir@scv.org).

If you send the request and supporting documents in hard-copy format, they should be sent to AIC Ritchie, Executive Director Sewell and Army Commanders Earnest, Strain and Owens, who also serve on the Budget and Finance Committee.

Those requesting funds should read the Funding Proposal Guidelines found on the Forms and Documents page of scv.org at: http://www.scv.org/pdf/FundingProposalGuidelines.pdf . The form to be used to make a Funding Request is also on the Forms and Documents page at: http://www.scv.org/pdf/SCVFundRequests.pdf .

The information requested on the form is the minimum that is needed to consider a request. Those making requests are encouraged to submit supporting information if it helps clarify the purpose and other particulars of the project.

If you have any questions regarding the guidelines, form or process please contact me.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Nicole Byrd places a wreath beside the headstone of 2nd Lt. William N. Cox as Cliff Richey stands by during a dedication ceremony at the Battle of Harrisburg National Park site in Tupelo on Saturday. (DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL)slideshow

Rannie Gillentine sprays bleach on a row of headstones at the Okolona Confederate Cemetery on Saturday. (DESTE LEE | DAILY JOURNAL)slideshow Saturday was a day of Civil War remembrance in Northeast Mississippi.

Volunteers with the Okolona Cemetery Restoration and Re-enactment Project began bleaching the 800 headstones of Confederate soldiers in the Okolona’s Confederate cemetery.

The group is preparing the cemetery for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Okolona, in February 2014. Martha Gordon, of the restoration committee, said when completed, there will be a flag flying for every state that has a soldier buried there.

The graveyard is home to many soldiers who were wounded or killed at the Battle of Shiloh and brought to the hospital in Okolona by train. Many of the soldiers’ identities are still unknown.

Also on Saturday, new headstones were placed on unmarked Confederate graves in Tupelo. The Sons of Confederate Veterans Harrisburg Camp No. 645 dedicated two headstones in the Battle of Harrisburg National Park to mark the 148th anniversary of the battle.

“I thank the men of Harrisburg Camp for placing these stones,” said Edwina Carpenter, director of Mississippi’s Final Stands Interpretive Center. “When a person gives all for his beliefs, he has recorded his name in the archives of heaven, it is right that we should remember.”

The two headstones are in memory of 1st Lt. John J. Stone, of Company H of the Coonewah Rifles 2nd Mississippi Infantry, and 2nd Lt. William N. Cox, of Company A of the 8th Mississippi Cavalry.

The two Confederate officers were buried in the Old Harrisburg Cemetery, on the grounds of the Battle of Harrisburg.

Stone was born in Alabama in 1811 and came to Mississippi around 1851. He enlisted in the Confederate Army at age 50 and retired the next year due to ailing health. Stone died in 1866.

Cox enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1963 and died in the Battle of Harrisburg in 1864 at age 28.

Kevin Thornton, communications officer for the Harrisburg Camp, said installing the headstones at the battlefield has been a project of theirs for 10 years.

A re-enactment of the battle at Old Town Creek, an encampment and a skirmish was slated for Saturday night on Mount Vernon Road, but it had to be canceled because of rain.

SCV LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP SET FOR COLORADO SCV National Leadership Workshop

As we move through the challenging years of the Sesquicentennial, leadership training has become even more important to the defense of our Southern heritage. In an effort to insure that our members better understand the challenges of leadership roles and to aid our leaders in acquiring the knowledge to better perform their duties, the SCV has scheduled a Summer National Leadership Workshop.

This year’s event will be held August 25, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Express, 1855 Aeroplaza Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80916. It will be hosted by the Colorado Division. A tentative schedule for the day is posted below along with registration and lodging information.

Please note that this event will include relevant presentations and individual workshops for more specialized training for Commanders and Adjutants; however, ALL members are invited to attend! ___________________________________

Registration is only $10 per person and will be handled through General Headquarters at Elm Springs. You may mail a reservation with a check or call 1 (800) 380-1896 ext 209 (Cindy) or email accounting@scv.org with credit card information (MC, VISA or AMEX)___________________________________

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Proposed constitutional amendments one and two pertaining to allowing camps to secede from their divisions were defeated. Proposed constitutional amendment three dealing with a minor wording change to section 13.4 dealing with discipline was approved.

Proposed standing order amendment number one was withdrawn by the author, and proposed standing order amendment number two, clarifying language dealing with the prohibition of SCV members, camps and divisions from filing lawsuits without prior express consent of the GEC, was approved.

A paper ballot was used to select Richmond, Virginia as the 2015 site of the 120th SCV Annual General Reunion.

Officers elected for 2012-2014

Commander in Chief- R. Michael Givens

Lt. Commander in Chief- C. Kelly Barrow

ATM

Commander- M. Todd Owens

Councilman- Charles E. Lauret

AOT

Commander- Thomas V. Strain, Jr

Councilman- Larry Allen McCluney

ANV

Commander- Britton Frank Earnest, Sr

Councilman-Randall B Burbage

Also selected to serve on the General Executice Council

Chief of Staff- Charles L. Rand III

Adjutant in Chief- Stephen Lee Ritchie

Chief of Heritage Defense- Eugene G Hogan II

Chaplain in Chief- Mark W. Evans

Judge Advocate in Chief- Roy Burl McCoy

2012 National Awards

Dr. George R. Tabor Award is presented to the most distinguished camp in the SCV. The winner of this prestigious award, which is an extremely close competition every year, is the Finley's Brigade Camp 1614 of Havana FL, Graham F. Smith, Commander.

Scrapbooks

Dr. B. H. Webster Award for the best Scrapbook for camps with fewer than 50 members was not awarded in 2012 as no entries were received.

Judah P. Benjamin Award for the best Scrapbook for camps with 50 or more members is the Robert E. Lee Camp 239 of Fort Worth TX, James B. Turnage, Commander.

Dr. James B. Butler Award for the best historical project was won by Litchfield Camp 132, Conway, SC, James E. Graham, Commander.

General Stand Watie Award winner for the camp making the largest contribution to the Stand Watie Scholarship Fund was not awarded in 2012.

Best Web Site- General Samuel Cooper Award for the best website is the William Kenyon Australian Confederates Camp 2160, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. http://www.scvau.com/ James M. Gray, Commander.

Newsletters

Dr. Paul Jon Miller Award winner for the best newsletter among camps with fewer than 50 members is The Round Mountain Report which is produced by the COL Daniel N. McIntosh Camp 1378, Tulsa OK, Kenneth H. Cook, Editor.

S.A. Cunningham Award for the best newsletter among camps with 50 or more members is The Louisiana Tiger which is produced by the LTG Richard Taylor Camp 1308, Shreveport LA, Bobby G. Herring, Editor.

Dewitt Smith Jobe Award for the best Division newsletter is a tie and two awards were given to The Carolina Confederate, North /Carolina Division, Ron Perdue, Editor and the Palmetto Partisan, South Carolina Division, Bill Norris, Editor.

Recruiting

Edward R. Darling Award for the top recruiter in the Confederation is awarded to

Kyle Sims, a member of the COL Middleton Tate Johnson Camp 1648, Arlington

New Camps, Division- General A. P. Hill Award is a tie with five new camps each, and is awarded to the North Carolina Division, Thomas M. Smith Jr, Commander and the Georgia Division, Jack Bridwell, Commander.

New Camps, Army- General Albert Sydney Johnston Award for the Army with the greatest gain in new camps, a total of 12, goes to the Army of Trans-Mississippi, W. Danny Honnoll, Commander.

Individual Awards

Hoover Law and Order Medal was presented to Sheriff Larry Dever, Cochise County, AZ.

Rev. J. William Jones Christian Service Award is presented to Reverend Eric GrayRudd NC), Reverend David Andrew Taylor (AR), and a posthumous award to Reverend Jack Ray Griffin (AZ) all three of whom have emulated and perpetuated the orthodox Christian faith demonstrated by the soldiers and citizens of the Confederate States of America.

Robert E. Lee Gold Medal, the second highest award which can be given to a SCV member, has been presented to Eugene G. Hogan II (SC), B. Frank Earnest Sr.(VA), and Thomas Y. Hiter (KY) for their exceptional contributions and service to theSCV.

Jefferson Davis Chalice has been presented to Bragdon R. Bowling Jr. (VA). This is the highest award which may be bestowed on a member for service to the SCV and consists of an engraved silver chalice, a medal and a certificate.

Non Member Awards

The S. D. Lee Award, the SCV's highest award for nonmembers of the SCV was presented to Pam Trammell of Arkansas.

The Horace L. Hunley Award, the SCV's second highest award for nonmembers was presented to Allen Roberson of South Carolina.

The Dixie Defender Award, the SCV's third highest award for nonmembers was presented to Sarah Mosley of South Carolina.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Bitter words are being exchanged between the Las Cruces mayor and the city's Tea Party over a parade float.

The Tea Party's float won best of show at the Las Cruces Fourth of July parade.

The float prominently displayed a Confederate flag.

Mayor Ken Miyagishima is upset about the flag's placement on the float.

"The Las Cruces Tea Party can believe whatever it wants, but to have this symbol and what it represents," he said. "Highlight the winning float at a celebration of our nation's independence is an outrage."

The Tea Party said the float celebrates the area's history.

"The theme of the parade was the history of the State of New Mexico," party members said in a statement. "There was a lot of history that defined our state prior to 1912. We showed how we fought for our statehood and the sacrifices we made along the way, along with our triumphs."

History tells a brief tale about Confederate occupation in New Mexico.

It started at the plaza in La Mesilla, N.M., nearly five miles from the parade route.

On March 16 1861, La Mesilla hosted a territorial secession convention. 12 days before the convention, seven states left the U.S. to form the Confederate States of America, and nearly one month later the Civil War's first major aggression took place at Fort Sumner.

Both Union and Confederate governments claimed control over the New Mexico Territory, which extended through Arizona and southern Nevada.

As with the war, the territory split horizontally. On July 15 1861, Confederates from Texas took over Mesilla and established the Arizona Territory from southern New Mexico through Tucson, Ariz.

Confederates pushed north, however its New Mexico Campaign would end at Glorietta Pass in March 1862.

Union troops forced Confederates into retreat. They destroyed the Confederate supply wagon and its hopes for expansion into California.

By April 1882, Union troops had forced the last Confederate soldiers out of Mesilla.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

It is my pleasure to announce the scheduling of the 2013 Stephen Dill Lee Institute in St. Augustine, Florida, at the Renaissance Hotel on February 1-2.

Hosting the event will be the Florida Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. It is the aim of the Institute to examine the ramifications of the Emancipation Proclamation from an academic perspective, which truly differs from prevailing contemporary mainstream dogma.

We are pleased to announce the following will speak at the event:

1. Donald Livingston -- "How the North Failed to Respond to the Moral Challenge of Slavery"

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Ted Nugent: America Would Be Better Off If South Won Civil War Posted: July 6, 2012

Where would America be today if the South had won the Civil War? According to Ted Nugent, the United States would be a better place if we were still flying the confederate flag.

The musician recently wrote an op-ed for the Washington Times calling John Roberts, the Supreme Court Judge who sided with the liberal to uphold President Obama’s Affordable Care Act, a traitor.

Nugent writes at the Washington Times:

“(Roberts) squandered the opportunity to restore judicial, financial and legislative sanity to a government that by any sane person’s standards is insane and addicted to centralized federal control of our lives…. Our entitlement programs have bankrupted America… We have dug a financial crater so deep that many doubt we can ever climb out. With his vote, Chief Justice Roberts didn’t give Fedzilla an even bigger shovel, he gave Fedzilla an earth mover with which to dig bigger financial holes.”

This isn’t the first time that Nugent has spoken out against the Obama administration. The secret service even paid him a visit earlier this year after he made comments about assassinating the president.

“Because our legislative, judicial and executive branches of government hold the 10th Amendment in contempt, I’m beginning to wonder if it would have been best had the South won the Civil War. Our Founding Fathers’ concept of limited government is dead.”

The Supreme Court’s decision on the Affordable Care Act has drawn strong opinions from just about everybody. And it’s understandable that Nugent is upset about Robert’s decision. But saying that America would be better off if the South won the Civil War is a little out of line, right?